Fixing Starfield NG Plus Save Crash: Ultimate Guide
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Starfield, the much-anticipated space exploration RPG from Bethesda, has garnered significant attention since its release. However, players have experienced crashes when attempting to load their New Game Plus (NG Plus) saves, which can be frustrating. In this ultimate guide, we'll explore the reasons behind this issue, potential fixes, and tips to prevent future crashes. Whether you're a seasoned player or new to the game, we aim to provide you with a comprehensive understanding of how to tackle this problem. 🚀
Understanding NG Plus in Starfield
New Game Plus is a feature in many RPGs that allows players to start a new game while retaining certain progress from their previous playthrough. In Starfield, NG Plus enables players to carry over their character, equipment, and some decisions to a new adventure in the vast universe. However, this feature has been reported to cause crashes under certain circumstances.
Why Does NG Plus Crash Occur? 🤔
Before diving into the solutions, it is essential to understand why the crash happens when loading NG Plus saves. Here are some common reasons:
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Corrupted Save Files: Save files can become corrupted for various reasons, such as unexpected power outages or game crashes during saving.
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Mod Conflicts: Many players use mods to enhance their experience. Some mods may not be compatible with NG Plus, leading to crashes.
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Incompatible Updates: Bethesda frequently updates Starfield, and a new patch may introduce changes that conflict with your NG Plus save files.
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Insufficient System Resources: NG Plus can demand more resources from your system. If your hardware is below the game's recommended specifications, it may cause instability.
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Software Conflicts: Other software running in the background may interfere with Starfield, leading to crashes when loading saves.
Steps to Fix NG Plus Save Crashes
If you're experiencing crashes when loading your NG Plus save, follow these troubleshooting steps to fix the issue. ⚙️
1. Verify Integrity of Game Files
If you're playing on a platform like Steam, verifying the integrity of the game files can resolve many issues, including crashes related to corrupted files.
Steps:
- Open your Steam Library.
- Right-click on Starfield and select Properties.
- Navigate to the Local Files tab.
- Click on Verify integrity of game files.
Steam will check your game files and replace any missing or corrupted files.
2. Remove or Disable Mods
If you're using mods, one or more of them could be causing the crashes. To troubleshoot:
- Disable all mods by removing them from your game directory or using a mod manager.
- Attempt to load your NG Plus save.
- If the game loads successfully, re-enable mods one at a time to identify the culprit. 🧩
3. Update Your Game and Drivers
Ensure that you are running the latest version of Starfield. Additionally, keeping your graphics and system drivers up to date is crucial for optimal performance.
How to Update:
- For Steam: Updates are automatically installed when you launch the game.
- For Graphics Drivers: Visit the NVIDIA or AMD website and download the latest drivers for your GPU.
4. Adjust Graphics Settings
If your system struggles with resources, consider lowering the graphics settings in Starfield. This can help stabilize the game when loading NG Plus saves.
Settings to Consider:
| Setting | Recommended Change |
|---|---|
| Texture Quality | Medium or Low |
| Shadows | Medium or Low |
| View Distance | Medium |
| Anti-aliasing | Disabled or FXAA |
| V-Sync | Off |
5. Free Up System Resources
Running background applications can consume valuable resources. Before launching Starfield:
- Close any unnecessary applications.
- Check your task manager (Ctrl + Shift + Esc) for any resource-heavy processes.
6. Check for Background Software Conflicts
Certain software, such as overlays (Discord, GeForce Experience) or system optimizers, can interfere with games. Try disabling these programs before starting Starfield.
7. Create a Fresh NG Plus Save
If the above methods do not work, consider starting a new NG Plus save. Ensure that you export your existing saves beforehand so you do not lose progress.
Important Note: "Always back up your save files before attempting major changes, like deleting or creating new saves."
How to Prevent Future Crashes 🛡️
While fixing crashes is essential, preventing them in the first place can save you time and frustration. Here are some tips:
1. Regular Backups of Save Files
Regularly back up your save files to an external drive or cloud storage. This way, if you encounter a crash, you can revert to a previous save.
2. Limit Mod Usage
While mods can enhance gameplay, using too many or incompatible mods can lead to crashes. Be selective with the mods you install and always check compatibility with NG Plus.
3. Monitor Game Updates
Stay updated with the latest patches and community notes from Bethesda. Understanding changes can help you adapt your gameplay accordingly.
4. Adjust System Settings
Consider adjusting your system settings to prioritize gaming performance. This includes setting the game to high priority in Task Manager and optimizing your PC for gaming.
5. Invest in System Upgrades
If crashes persist, it may be time to upgrade your hardware. Investing in additional RAM, a better CPU, or a more powerful GPU can help manage the demands of modern games like Starfield.
Conclusion 🌌
Experiencing crashes when loading NG Plus saves in Starfield can be frustrating, but with the right steps, you can troubleshoot and resolve the issue. Remember to regularly back up your save files, keep your game and drivers updated, and be mindful of the mods you use. By following this ultimate guide, you'll be equipped to navigate the galaxy without the fear of losing your progress to unforeseen crashes. Embrace your space adventures with confidence, and may your journey through the stars be as seamless as possible! 🌠